Cathode copper iscopper with a purity of 99.99%,[1] it is commonly produced in the form of rectangular copper plates with "ears" for handling.[2] Its is mainly produced via two different methods, one starting withcopper oxide minerals and one fromcopper sulfide minerals.[1] Copper sulfides goes through a process ofconminution and are then typically separatet fromgangue (and futuretailings) in usingfroth flotation. The resulting copper concentrate is then smelted to produceanode copper which is thenelectrorefined to obtain cathode copper.[1][3] Copper oxides are leached and the processed throughsolvent extraction and electrowinning.[1][3]
Cathode copper is used to produceingots, billets,cakes andwire rods which are then used to producecopper wire.[2]